33 homes and shops at The Old Post Office, Erith

What was proposed

A three-to-six-storey building would provide 33 homes, two commercial units, retained Post Office facades and one disabled parking space.

“The proposal relates to the construction of a three to six storey building (including accommodation within the roof space) to provide 33 residential units and two commercial units (Class E) on the ground floor.”

“At the southern end of the building there would be one, ground floor residential unit with direct access from Bexley Road. This unit would have its own bin store and cycle store adjacent to the street. All other apartments in this section of the building would be served by the main entrance lobby. At Level 05 there would be two residential units within the space formed by the pitched roof.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.11-hectare town-centre site contains the former post office, outbuildings, highway land, public open space and mature sycamore trees.

“The building dates from 1933 and was constructed as a post office and sorting office. The original building comprised three sections: the post office at the southern end; the sorting office in the central section; and ancillary facilities including storage within an area enclosed by a curved wall. The original structures also included outbuildings within a rear yard, enclosed by a tall brick retaining wall.”

“The area of land to the north and west of the site comprises public open space which is designated as Urban Open Land. Three mature sycamore trees are located on the mound adjacent to the western site boundary.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered post office works, changes to the former sorting office, an extension, and ATM, CCTV, lighting and bollard proposals.

“81/01738/OUT: Outline application for new public post office and sorting office and alterations of existing. Approved 14.01.1982”

“94/02010/FUL: Change of use of part of former sorting office to retail use (Class A1). Approved 09.06.1995”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal broadly complied with policy and its public benefits outweighed heritage and commercial floorspace harm.

“Having taken all relevant matters into consideration and having paid special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the Erith Riverside Conservation Area the public benefits of the scheme are considered to outweigh the less than substantial harm to the character and appearance of the Erith Riverside Conservation Area.”

“For the reasons set out in the report (and subject to the completion of a legal agreement, to be secured by condition) the proposed development is considered to be acceptable. Overall, the proposal is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the Development Plan, when read as a whole.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objection or supported conditions, while the conservation officer identified harm to the conservation area and locally listed building.

“Thames Water No objection in relation to surface water drainage, if the developer follows the sequential approach to the disposal of surface water. No objection in relation to waste water network and sewage treatment works infrastructure capacity. No objection in relation to water network and water treatment infrastructure capacity. Conditions and informatives are recommended.”

“Conservation Officer Notwithstanding the design refinements which have been made to reflect the local character, due to its scale the proposed development would result in harm to the character and appearance of the Erith Riverside Conservation Area. The locally listed Post Office is considered to make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area and therefore contributes to its significance.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Eight objections from seven households raised concerns about the Post Office, height, heritage, parking, traffic, amenity, trees and construction impacts.

“Issue Raised (grouped by relevant report section) Response Land Use and Principle of the Development Loss of the Post Office and convenience store. The proposed commercial units could accommodate a Post Office however the future location of this facility is a matter for the Post Office. As set out in the assessment the proposal would not conflict with Local Plan policies in relation to town centre uses and the protection of convenience shops.”

“Any additional housing should be reconsidered unless it comes with plans to add something to improve the area. Planning obligations would secure contributions towards public realm and transport improvements. Funding towards a police station, a pharmacy or GPs should be provided. No request for funding has been received in relation to policing or healthcare. Other Environmental Considerations Construction works will generate traffic.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local ward councillor raised concerns, and the applicant’s planning consultant spoke in support.

Committee discussion

Members discussed the application, considering the report and all observations, points and comments made by the speakers.

“The Committee discussed the application, considered all observations, points and comments made by the speakers and noted the report for this application.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee approved the application by eight votes to two, in accordance with the recommendation.

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 8/2 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions and completion of a legal agreement because the development was considered acceptable overall.

“That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject conditions.”

Officer report